EFL hails Blackburn Rovers Community Trust's EFL Kids Cup exploits

EFL Trust Director of Operations Mike Evans hailed Blackburn Rovers Community Trust for having one of the highest engagement numbers with primary schools in this year’s EFL Kids Cup.

Evans was in attendance on Saturday to watch Rovers’ EFL Kids Cup final, which saw five local schools compete to earn the right to represent the football club in the latter stages of the competition.

The final match to decide the winner was played on the Ewood Park surface during the half time interval between Rovers and Shrewsbury, which saw Whitefield Primary overcome Eccleston Primary, 3-1.

The South Ribble based primary school will now go on to represent the club in the regional stages of the competition, with the aim to reach the national final at Wembley in May prior to the Sky Bet League One play-off Final.

The day started when Whitefield and Eccleston were joined by Lower Darwen Primary School, St Paul’s Feniscowles and Helmshore Primary School in the Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre to participate in a five-team league, with the top two advancing to the final match at Ewood Park.

In a tight affair, Eccleston advanced as league winners, with Whitefield finishing second on goal difference, and Helmshore narrowly missing out in third spot.

Whitefield and Eccleston were awarded for their top two finish by being player escorts for the first team match, whilst Lower Darwen, St Paul’s and Helmshore were given the honour of being flag bearers.

All of the children who participated proudly represented their school, and EFL Trust Director of Operations' Evans admitted it was so close, any of the five teams could have won.

He said: “All 72 clubs in the EFL run a local competition and the winners go on to represent their clubs at the regional competition with the end goal to reach the national final at Wembley.

“Blackburn Rovers have done a fantastic job and they engaged with 80 schools to play in the competition which is one of the highest in the country.

“We are really pleased with the effort that has gone in and to host the club final on the pitch during the half time break of a first team game is amazing.

“I watched some of the qualification matches before the final at half time and the five teams were all very well matched," Evans concluded.

For any further information on the EFL Kids Cup, please call 01254 508256.

PLEASE CLICK HEREto see a full image gallery from the day via our official Facebook page.